Davey Defense LLC

Author: John Davey

  • Carrying a Firearm Is a Lifestyle, Not a Hobby

    Carrying a Firearm Is a Lifestyle, Not a Hobby

    25 August 2025

    Shooting can be a hobby. Carrying a firearm isn’t. Carrying is a conscious, daily decision with real weight behind it—more mindset than pastime. If you choose it, you’re choosing a way of living, not a weekend activity.

    A hobby is something you pick up and put down. A lifestyle changes how you think, how you move, where you go, what you wear, and what you’re willing to walk away from. If you’re carrying, you don’t visit the places you avoided when you were unarmed and suddenly call it “training.” You keep avoiding them. Same wisdom, deeper responsibility.

    Training matters. A permit class checks a legal box; real training builds the habits you’ll rely on when stress shows up. The goal is simple: make safety automatic, decisions thoughtful, and your draw so boringly consistent you don’t have to think about the mechanics when thinking time is scarce.

    Mindset matters. Honesty beats ego on the range and in life. Be honest about what you know and what you don’t. Be honest about whether you’re mentally ready to defend yourself or your family. If you’re not there yet, don’t carry – train, learn, decide. There’s no shame in waiting until you can live with the responsibility you’re taking on.

    Respect and caution are non-negotiable. A firearm is just a tool until you tell it to work. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you’re ready to fire. That one rule, lived every day, keeps good people out of bad headlines.

    Gear doesn’t make the lifestyle – discipline does. Simple, reliable tools beat flashy gadgets every time. Batteries die. Fads fade. Solid fundamentals and proven equipment win when it counts.

    When you train with me, you’re not a transaction – you’re part of the family. My measure of success isn’t round counts or certificates; it’s whether you leave safer, steadier, and more prepared to make good decisions under pressure.

    If you carry, carry on purpose. Make it a lifestyle worth living. Responsible, quiet, disciplined, and ready.

  • Mile Marker: The Day It Was Declared

    Mile Marker: The Day It Was Declared Done

    Not the day it went live — because it’s always been live.
    Not the day it was born — because it’s been reborn a dozen times.
    Not the day it crashed — though that happened more than once, usually in flames.

    This is the day it was declared done.

    The fires of construction, the crashes, the rebuilds, the experiments, the test pages, and the wreckage — they all led here. The site is standing. The forms flow. The system works. Not perfectly polished, not flawless, but fully functional, tested, and battle-hardened. From this day forward, it is no longer “under construction.” It simply is.

    This mile marker matters not because the journey ended, but because the road ahead is clear. Students can register. Instructors get notified. The course lives and breathes. And the chaos? The chaos is still there, sure — but now it has a place to run wild without breaking the foundation.

    — John Davey
    Owner & Lead Instructor
    Davey Defense LLC

  • We’re Not Quite Done… But We’re Definitely Live

    Let’s be honest — when is anything ever truly done?

    We’ve rebuilt everything from the ground up:

    • ✔️ New course layout
    • ✔️ Optimized mobile experience
    • ✔️ Cleaned-up design
    • ✔️ Clear instructor support
    • ✔️ Seamless student registration and completion system

    It’s fast. It’s sharp. It’s live.
    But… we’re not going to pretend we’ve hit perfection yet.

    There are still a few menus being rearranged, a couple visual tweaks in progress, and minor pieces getting polished. But none of that stops the system from being fully functional and ready for action.

    Whether you’re an instructor reviewing your new dashboard, or a student clicking that red “Enter the Course” button on your phone — it’s smooth, stable, and built to impress.

    💡 So what’s next?

    Keep doing what we do best:

    • Run quality classes
    • Deliver value to our students
    • Keep refining as we go

    If you’re reading this and notice something odd, say something. Feedback is always welcome — we’d rather fix it than fake it.

    Thanks for sticking with us through this rebuild. The best version of Davey Defense is the one we just launched — and it only gets better from here.

    🛠️ Still tuning up… but still ready to roll.

    John Davey
    Owner, Davey Defense LLC

  • Big Changes, Bigger Impact

    Big Changes, Bigger Impact

    Big Changes. Bigger Impact.

    As you know, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes — reconstructing everything.

    From the top down, inside out, it’s all redone, rebuilt, and brand new. We’ve switched over to a much cleaner learning management system. One that’s more intuitive, mobile-friendly, and straight to the point — for both instructors and students.

    I’ve gone through every visual detail of the website to make sure it looks and feels professional. Because when students are with us — on our ranges — it’s nothing but professional. And the website should reflect that.

    Everything you see today is the result of tearing apart what I built back in December and rebuilding it from scratch. I wasn’t satisfied then. I am now.

    And while I was putting in the time, effort, and energy, you still had access to the old system — which is still functional, by the way. But now the new class is completely rewritten and optimized for modern use. It’s built from the ground up with mobile users in mind — because let’s be honest: 90% of our students will click the class link from a text message and take the entire course on their phone.

    Now, they can. And it’s smooth.

    Big changes. Big impact. And it’s costing you, as an instructor, nothing more.

    So here’s what I’m asking from you:

    1. Visit DaveyDefense.com
    2. Click the Your Instructors button
      → Tell me what you think of that page.
    3. Click the big red Enter the Course button
    4. Sign in just like a student would and go through the course material
    5. On the last page, make sure to fill out the completion form
      → That triggers the AppSheet notification so we know it’s done.

    I appreciate every one of you — and I hope you’re proud of what we’ve built here. Let me know what you think, and let’s keep making it better.

    — John Davey
    Owner, Davey Defense

  • A Victory for Gun Owners in Minnesota

    A Victory for Gun Owners in Minnesota

    A Victory for Gun Owners in Minnesota

    In a major win for the Second Amendment and responsible gun owners across the state, the Minnesota Supreme Court has officially ruled that privately made firearms do not need serial numbers under state law — unless federal law requires one.

    The case, State v. Logan Vagle, challenged an aggressive legal tactic used by prosecutors to charge citizens with felonies for possessing homemade firearms without serial numbers — even when those firearms were perfectly legal under federal law.

    That strategy just got shut down.

    ⚖️ What the Court Said

    “Minnesota has not adopted its own independent firearm serialization law… our laws do not require that privately made firearms be serialized.”

    Let’s be clear — this ruling clarifies the law and slams the door on years of overreach by prosecutors, the state AG, and anti-gun legal clinics who pushed a false narrative.

    If you build a firearm for personal use, and there’s no federal law requiring a serial number, you’re not in violation of Minnesota law.

    🔍 What This Means for You

    • If you’ve built a firearm at home (like an 80% lower), this case confirms your rights.
    • Charges filed against people for unserialized, homemade firearms may now be subject to dismissal or appeal.
    • Law-abiding gun owners in Minnesota now have strong legal footing to stand on — and one less thing to worry about.

    📎 Read the Full Ruling

    You can read the entire opinion here:
    👉 MN Supreme Court Opinion – State v. Vagle (PDF)

    💬 Final Thoughts from Davey Defense

    For years, Minnesota gun owners have dealt with confusion and fear over home-built firearms — largely thanks to bad interpretations of the law. This ruling restores clarity, confidence, and constitutional common sense.

    Stay trained. Stay ready.
    – Davey Defense

  • Understanding Minnesota’s Firearm Carry Laws for 18–20-Year-Olds

    Understanding Minnesota’s Firearm Carry Laws for 18–20-Year-Olds

    Updated: June 2025

    Author: Davey Defense

    What Changed in Minnesota?

    Due to a federal court ruling in 2023 (Worth v. Harrington), Minnesota was forced to stop enforcing its ban on issuing permits to carry to adults aged 18 to 20. This ruling aligned with the Second Amendment and declared that a complete ban on young adults carrying firearms in public was unconstitutional.

    The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) responded by updating permit training and issuing guidance for sheriffs and instructors statewide. As of now:

    • Adults age 18–20 can apply for a Minnesota Permit to Carry.
    • The same training and qualification requirements apply.
    • Sheriffs must accept and process these applications like any other.

    BCA Guidance and Official Policy

    While Minnesota law has not yet been formally rewritten by the legislature, the BCA has issued instructions to local permit offices making clear that age-based restrictions must no longer be enforced as a matter of constitutional compliance.

    This change is not a loophole — it’s the result of a federal court’s interpretation of the Second Amendment, and it carries full legal authority.

    Important Notes for 18–20-Year-Old Applicants

    • You must still complete a certified Minnesota Permit to Carry training course.
    • Your application must be submitted to the sheriff in the county where you reside.
    • If any sheriff refuses your application based solely on age, you have grounds to challenge that denial.

    💬 Final Thoughts

    Young adults in Minnesota now have a recognized constitutional right to carry — just like older adults. As always, responsible firearm ownership and training are key.

    Questions? Contact Davey Defense for certified carry permit training and legal updates.

    Sources: Federal Court Decision in Worth v. Harrington (2023), MN BCA Firearms Division, June 2025

  • Minnesota Gun Storage Law Faces Sheriff Opposition

    Minnesota Sheriffs Push Back on Proposed State Gun Storage Law

    Date: June 2025

    Several county sheriffs across Greater Minnesota are publicly opposing a proposed mandatory firearm storage law expected to be reintroduced in the 2026 legislative session. While the bill stalled earlier this year, it’s gaining traction again with support from metro-area DFL lawmakers.

    🔒 What the Proposed Law Would Do

    • Require all firearms to be stored locked and unloaded when not in use.
    • Make violations a gross misdemeanor if a child gains access or the gun is used in a crime.
    • Backed by supporters as a way to reduce accidental shootings and teen suicides.

    🚔 Sheriffs Respond

    Sheriffs from multiple counties, including Meeker County (Sheriff Brian Cruze) and Clay County (Sheriff Mark Empting), voiced strong objections during a June 8 press roundtable hosted by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association in Alexandria.

    “We will not support laws that punish rural families who store their guns in a way that makes sense for them.”

    They argue that the law:

    • Threatens the right to armed self-defense inside the home.
    • Is unenforceable without infringing on personal privacy.
    • Criminalizes responsible gun owners instead of targeting criminals.

    🏛️ Political Implications

    This bill is shaping up to be a major issue heading into the 2026 state elections, potentially dividing urban legislators and rural law enforcement. Supporters say it mirrors gun storage laws in places like California and Oregon — though similar laws have faced legal challenges in federal courts.

    Source: Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, June 2025

  • Update & News | June 8, 2025

    Very few of you know that I pulled together as best I could data from 87 counties back in 2022 not that long in reality after I got started as an instructor under another companies authority. A daunting task to be certain. This weekend I remained home rather than making my usual trip south to the Camper for the weekend. Well, with the house generally quiet aside from the dogs wrestling around, I decided that I would once again undertake that nightmare task of data collection pulled from all 87 Minnesota counties. And still three years later the job has been no easier. However, I have done what I can on my own. You can check the fruits of my labors HERE. As you will see, there is a bit of data that I was unable to find in my search of the interwebs. To help fill in those gaps of missing data and to assist me in opening a direct channel to funnel any forth coming potential updates, I have begun the process of drafting an email to be sent out to each department . You may have a look at that document over HERE. I will update the listing with any new/changed/updated data that I receive in response to my email barrage.

    Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to continue to be great ambassadors for the 2nd Amendment. Share your passion with others through polite conversation. Pass on to younger generation things you’ve learned along the way. If you find people disagreeable, just agree to disagree with them and move on. 

    And that’s all I have for now. Until next time!

    John

    Remember this: 

    Shoot. Shoot often and shoot straight! Only Hits count.

    Keep your booger hook off the bang switch until you’re ready to fire!

  • Public Data Request: MN Permit to Carry Fee & Discount Information

    As part of Davey Defense’s commitment to public education and transparency, we’ve reached out to all 87 Minnesota county sheriff departments requesting updated Permit to Carry fee information — including whether they offer discounts for veterans or first responders.

    Below is the full message sent to each department:



    Subject: Permit to Carry Fees – Veterans/First Responder Discount Review

    Dear Sheriff [Last Name] or Administrative Staff,

    My name is John Davey, and I represent Davey Defense LLC, a certified Minnesota firearms training organization serving students across the state. As part of our commitment to public education and civic transparency, we have compiled and published current Permit to Carry fee information for all 87 Minnesota counties — including whether discounts are offered to veterans and first responders.

    You may view the compiled listing here:
    👉 View County Fee Data Table

    We extend our sincere appreciation to the many county offices that responded professionally and courteously during this effort — and to those that offer discounted fees as a tangible show of support for veterans and first responders. These policies not only reduce financial barriers, but also send a strong message of gratitude to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the greater good of our communities.

    To help ensure this public resource remains accurate and up to date, we kindly ask departments to confirm or provide the following:

    • The best contact email for your department regarding permit-related inquiries
    • The URL for your official sheriff’s or permit department page
    • A direct link to the section of your site that outlines Permit to Carry information and associated fees

    We respectfully encourage counties that do not currently offer veteran or first responder discounts to consider doing so. As you are aware, under MN Statute § 624.714, Subd. 3 , counties have the authority to set Permit to Carry fees up to a maximum of $100. Many counties have used this flexibility to recognize those who have served in military or emergency roles.

    Thank you for your service and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of your community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if clarification or updates are needed.

    John Davey
    Owner, Davey Defense LLC
    📧 [email protected]
    📱 507-276-8484
    🌐 https://dev.daveydefense.com

    A digital version of my business card was included with each correspondence for reference

    We will continue to update the database as new responses are received. For questions, corrections, or to submit updated information, please contact us via the email listed above or the site’s contact page.

    Last updated: June 8, 2025

    Related Resources:

  • Update & News | April 27, 2025

    Good morning guys!

    I started to write a group text message and then rethought it and switched to email as I knew I would not be brief this morning. And then I decided to also make it a blog post to share with our students as nothing herein is confidential or top secrete.

    As you are aware I’ve been busy working on our appsheet app. I’ve been trying to improve a number of things, mainly syncing and notifications. I believe that I have the synchronization issues fixed. It seems that way when I test on my phone. I’ve also changed directions with the notifications we get when an entry is saved. I liked the idea of the text notification but appsheet has done away with their sms offering. That left me with a choice to set up a 3rd party sms service which is available at a price both financial and time. It looked like it was going to take far more time than I wanted to spend learning how to implement it. So, I trashed that idea and returned to appsheet to explore other ways to notify you that your entry is saved and the waiver generates & stores correctly. #1 I have enabled in app notifications no different than the notification we get using any other app on our phones. I like this as it gives you instant confirmation. #2 I have also enabled email notifications that contain all data entries except for the signature. Please let me know if you want to opt out of those emails. Unfortunately I have not figured out how to add the signed waiver to these emails. Perhaps with more time and exploration I will be able to make that happen. For now anyway, if you need a copy of a particular student’s email please send me a message with  the students name and I will email you a copy of their signed waiver. 

    Now the news…

    Item #1 We are now able to take students in the 18-20 year old age range. Earlier this week the MN BCA sent an email that gave us the green light to immediately start accepting these younger students that had previously been prohibited. While I personally have strong feelings on both sides of the fence concerning this issue, e it is not my position to flatly refuse to train them. I have made an executive decision that we will honor the Decision made by the US Supreme Court and the MN BCA. Davey Defense will be at on the firing line training these students when they request our services. The company’s official position is that we train all persons legally not prohibited. Obviously, we as individual instructors reserve the right to use our discretion as we would with anyone over 21. I am not going to change position on our right as instructors to refuse to train if an individual fails to pass our internal profiling criteria. I need not explain what that means, you all are aware.

    Item #2 Davey Defense now has 7 instructors on the team! Blake will be doing his live fire with me some time in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to meeting him. My goal for this year was to add 5 instructors by year’s end and here we are at 7 already. I think we have a great team of like minded individuals and I am proud to have each of you on my team.

    Item #3 Yesterday with a Blakes assistance I started working on some ideas in terms of Company philosophy, mission statement and a company vision statement. I will share these with the group, once I have completed writing, prior to publishing them on the website where our students will be able to read them if they choose. I am very excited about this task, I’m not sure why but I am.

    Item #4 I need to thank our English major Blake for pointing out the one grammatical error in our classrooms that I missed when I put it together. Blake, thank you sir! I appreciate it.

     Item #5 As you know, I have not nor will I ever set any specific number of certificates that need to be done each month. All I ask of you is to be available for those requesting your services and to set your own personal goal you want to reach by year’s end. My personal goal for the year is to write 100 certificates which is more than I’ve ever done in one year. By the end of the day I will be at 39 which puts me on track to hit that goal by the end of the year.

    Item #6 Start looking for those 5 year renewals that you know should be coming up. Starting in September I will be looking for my first year renewals, in particular the first quarter. My thinking here is to get these done yet this fall before the weather gets cold and nasty. I did a number of certificates that first year when the weather was cold and nasty. It wasn’t much fun for myself or my students. I’d prefer to think ahead and get them done when the weather may be a bit nicer.

    Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to continue to be great ambassadors for the 2nd Amendment. Share your passion with others through polite conversation. Pass on to younger generation things you’ve learned along the way. If you find people disagreeable, just agree to disagree with them and move on. 

    And that’s all I have for now. Until next time!

    John

    Remember this: 

    Shoot. Shoot often and shoot straight! Only Hits count.

    Keep your booger hook off the bang switch until you’re ready to fire!